Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that can be applied in various educational

settings, including K-12 schools. It involves a human-centered, iterative process of empathizing

with the user, defining the problem, ideating potential solutions, prototyping those solutions, and
testing them[1][3]. Here are some examples of how design thinking can be applied in K-12
schools:

1. Curriculum design: Design thinking can be used to enhance creativity and innovative thinking
skills of individuals, as well as inform curricula and pedagogical approaches[2][4]. For example,
teachers can use design thinking to create engaging and relevant learning experiences that foster
21st-century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration[3].
2. Real-world problem-solving: Design thinking can be used to address complex, real-world
problems that are relevant to students' lives and communities. For example, students can use
design thinking to develop innovative solutions to environmental, social, or economic
challenges[1][3].
3. Design thinking workshops: Design thinking can be taught through workshops, training
programs, or courses that help students develop their creative thinking, collaboration, and
problem-solving skills. For example, the Henry Ford Learning Institute offers a design thinking
middle/high school curriculum that includes hands-on activities, tools, and techniques for
students to learn and apply design thinking[4].
4. School-business partnerships: Design thinking can be used to foster partnerships between
schools and businesses, where students can work on real-world projects and gain exposure to
industry practices and careers. For example, the MENA Design Research Center in Lebanon,
Reinvented Lab in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Prometheus Education in Shenzhen, China, have
all launched design thinking practices for educators, students, and institutions[5].

Overall, design thinking can be a powerful tool for enhancing creativity, innovation, and
problem-solving skills in K-12 education. By applying design thinking in various educational
settings, students can develop the mindsets and skills needed to navigate an uncertain and
complex future, and become change-makers in their communities and society.

Citations:
[1] Design Thinking in Education: Perspectives ... - De Gruyter
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/edu-2019-0022/html?lang=en
[2] Design Thinking in Education https://www.design-thinking-association.org/explore-design-
thinking-topics/vertical-markets/design-thinking-in-education
[3] 5-Minute Film Festival: Design Thinking in Schools | Edutopia
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/film-festival-design-thinking-in-schools
[4] Design Thinking in Education: Perspectives ... - De Gruyter
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/edu-2019-0022/pdf
[5] [PDF] How design thinking supports innovation in K-12 education
https://1ff0468933cb72301e2b-43a5badbf472eb02814bc3b816e38c31.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/
Thinking%20and%20Acting%20Like%20A%20Designer%20%E2%80%93%20DT%20in
%20K-12%20education%20%E2%80%93%20IDEO%20%2B%20WISE.pdf